Retirement marks the end of one adventure and the beginning of many others. According to AARP’s 2026 Travel Trends survey, about 86% of older adults identified travel as one of their top three discretionary spending priorities. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of adults age 50 and up plan on traveling in 2026. But retirees also like to make the most of their travel budget, with 89% saying they look for a bargain when trip planning. The good news: There are plenty of ways for retirees to save money while fulfilling lifelong travel dreams. From booking trips during quieter seasons to taking advantage of affordable international destinations, a little planning can make travel more comfortable and budget-friendly for retirees.

Travel During Shoulder Seasons

For retirees on flexible schedules, traveling during shoulder seasons can save hundreds or or even thousands of dollars versus traveling during the prime tourist season. A shoulder season is the time between the busy peak season and the slower offseason. For many places, shoulder season falls during spring and autumn, though it varies based on the specific destination.

Traveling to France in springtime, for instance, means avoiding peak summer tourism and the harsh cold of winter. Shoulder seasons offer an ideal balance of mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices. This typically means shorter lines at popular attractions, restaurant reservations that are easier to secure, and better prices on airfare, accommodations, transportation, and events.

Stay Longer

Retired travelers can make the most of their time by staying in places longer than the average traveler would be able to. Major hotel chains such as Hilton, IHG, and Marriott frequently run “stay longer and save” promotions, sometimes applicable for stays as short as three nights. Travelers can save around 20% during these promotions, which adds up quickly for longer trips.

Similarly, vacation rental platforms allow hosts to set custom discounted rates for extended stays. Many Airbnb and VRBO hosts, for example, offer steep discounts on stays of more than a week and additional reductions for stays of one month or more. Even car rental companies offer long-term discounts. Avis, for one, has discounts on rentals of 15 days or more. With these savings, retirees can live like locals for a few weeks without breaking the bank.

Fly During Off-Peak Times

Airfare prices can vary dramatically depending on when you fly, but retirees with flexibility can avoid busy travel days and book when demand is lower. According to a recent study by NerdWallet, the cheapest day of the week to fly domestically in the U.S. is Friday. This is followed by Thursday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively. Monday and Sunday departures, on the other hand, are typically the most expensive for domestic flights. For international flights, midweek departures are the least expensive.

The time of year also dictates how expensive your plane ticket will be. Holidays and peak travel months — December, June, and July — are the most expensive. The months of August, September, and January are, on average, the least expensive. Using fare comparison tools and setting price alerts via services such as Google Flights can help travelers monitor prices months in advance. With the flexibility retirement offers, even shifting your trip by a day or two can translate into big savings on airfare.

Join the Slow Travel Movement

Often, travelers feel pressure to see all the major attractions in one trip, relying on down-to-the-minute itineraries and jam-packed bucket lists. But retirement is the perfect time to slow down and take it all in. With more flexibility and time, retired travelers can afford to stay in one place longer without rushing to the next destination, resulting in a more relaxed — and less expensive — adventure.

The “slow travel” movement promotes spending more time in one place. The idea is that travelers will gain a more authentic experience by immersing themselves in local culture. By the time your trip is over, hopefully you’ll have found a favorite neighborhood market, discovered hidden restaurants, and saved money by avoiding tourist traps. And because you’re in one place longer, this type of travel also reduces transportation fees, dining costs, and other expenses incurred during fast-paced travel.

Book With a Senior-Friendly Tour Company

Group tours can be a great way for older travelers to be social, travel at a slower pace, and save money — all while visiting a dream destination. Organizations like Trafalgar, Road Scholar, and ElderTreks offer small-group travel experiences with retirees in mind.

These tours bundle accommodations, transportation, and excursions into a single package, keeping things simple and helping travelers avoid unexpected expenses. This is especially cost-effective when traveling to an unfamiliar destination or planning a complicated itinerary that would be more difficult or expensive to arrange independently. Tour companies do the work for you, providing an easy all-in-one booking process, a seamless itinerary, and local guides at your destination.

Explore International Destinations

Retirees can get more bang for their buck by visiting places where the dollar stretches further. Look for countries with favorable exchange rates that allow you to book accommodations, dining, and transportation at a fraction of domestic pricing — and without sacrificing quality.

According to the personal finance experts at Kiplinger, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia are among the most affordable destinations for low-cost travel in 2026. Several Asian countries also provide big savings, especially Vietnam, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and Laos. For those seeking an affordable European getaway, Romania and Hungary offer an attractive combination of favorable exchange rates and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Don’t Forget Traditional Senior Discounts

Some retirees may overlook one of the easiest ways to save money: simply asking for a senior discount. Organizations like AARP provide members with exclusive travel discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages. Offers range from $99-and-under deals at major hotel brands like Best Western, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels to 30% off rental cars from Avis and Budget. Complimentary upgrades and waived fees are other common perks.

For retirees interested in slower-paced rail travel, Amtrak, Eurail, and Canada’s VIA Rail offer senior discounts. For some, the savings of taking the train (not to mention the incredible scenery along the way) outweigh the convenience of air travel, especially for retirees with more free time. Beyond lodging and transportation, senior discounts are also available for many travel-related activities such as museums, attractions, and national parks. Both the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada offer senior discounts for annual passes, offering retirees more options to enjoy the outdoors while staying on budget.